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Aspen clarifies wildfire tree removal rules, waives mitigation value near homes
Summary
City staff outlined wildfire-mitigation projects and proposed minor code clarifications that waive mitigation value for trees within 0–5 feet of structures, keep the $47-per-diameter-inch base valuation unchanged, and add local guidance where the state hazard map is unclassified.
City staff told the Aspen City Council on Feb. 23 that the municipality is refining its wildfire mitigation policy to simplify homeowner access to hazard-related tree removals while preserving incentives to maintain an urban forest. "When a tree is stated to be removed [for wildfire risk] there's no mitigation assessed," City Forester Heather Gale said, describing the clarified waiver for trees measured 0–5 feet from structures. The staff presentation noted the city adopted initial wildfire mitigation changes in 2024 and is aligning local language with the state's wildfire resiliency code (Senate Bill 23-166).
Staff underscored that the waiver applies to mitigation value (the per-diameter-inch fee) but not to the administrative permit charge; staff clarified the permit processing fee is $150 per permit whether one tree or several are removed. Gale described a new, biologically based tree assessment and valuation framework to standardize decisions and to promote drought-tolerant and ignition-resistant replacement species via condition multipliers. "The value of that tree has that same base value...and then the multiplier is then added based on whichever incentive qualifier it meets," Gale said, explaining how planting ignition-resistant species can reduce net mitigation costs.
The presentation also reviewed recent fuels-reduction work—hunter Creek burns, Sunnyside prescribed burn, and mastication projects near water infrastructure—and a planned 2026 slate of projects with Aspen Fire Protection District and other partners on city, county and conservation lands. Shannon Fink of Aspen Fire explained operational limits on home assessments: "capacity was truly our limitation" and weather (snow loads) limits when understory assessments are feasible.
Staff intends to bring a resolution to council with the proposed clarifications and mapping guidance so city rules align with the state's timeline; staff said they are targeting adoption in April 2026. The packet and website have been updated with a valuation calculator and species/shrub guidance to help residents estimate costs and replanting credits.
